24.03.2010 Human rights activists fined

Today, on 24 March Minsk Leninski Court convicted Viasna’s activists Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich and Iryna Toustsik of violating Article 23.34 of the Civil Code (violation of public event procedures) while staging a picket of protest against the recent execution of death penalties on 23 March in outside the Presidential Administration building in Minsk and fined them BYR 17,500 each.

24.03.2010 Just World seeks justice

Homel Regional Court refused to consider a claim lodged by the ‘Just World’ Party after its activist Valianstin Yauzrezau was not elected member of Zhlobin regional election commission. The party’s lawyers are currently drafting an appeal to be submitted to the Supreme Court of Belarus.

24.03.2010 Babruisk: several candidates quit election due to ‘family reasons’

Only 12 Belarusian Christian Democracy members will run in the local council elections in the town of Babruisk, after three candidates reportedly withdrew their applications for registration due to ‘family reasons.’ They asked not to publish their names and constituencies in fear of possible harassment by their employers.

24.03.2010 Supreme Economic Court turns down claim by Nash Dom newspaper

The Supreme Economic Court of Belarus dismissed a claim by the founders of the Nash Dom newspaper against the Ministry of Information’s refusal to register the edition. The claimant argued that the Ministry should have either registered the newspaper or refused the registration, instead of returning the application.

24.03.2010 German volunteers arrested in Mahilou

Volunteers from Germany were detained in the pedagogical institute and accused of unlawful activity that can lead to deportation.

According to local human rights activists, German volunteers Solwei Schoris and Susana Paul, invited to a meeting with students, were detained in the pedagogical institute in Mahilou.